TEDxLogan Circle

Speakers

Speakers may not be confirmed. Check the event website for the latest lineup.

• Amy L. Bernstein

  Amy L. Bernstein is an award-winning author, former journalist, and book coach who crafts stories that blend intellect with emotion. Her seven books include the speculative novel TENT CITY and WRANGLING THE DOUBT MONSTER, a widely read guide for creative inspiration. A past recipient of grants from the Rubys Artist Grant program and Maryland Humanities, Amy was named a Pushcart-nominated poet in 2025. She hosts a weekly Substack newsletter and regularly speaks at national writers' conferences.

• Anne Bowser

  Anne Bowser, Ph.D., is a non-profit leader and scientist dedicated to leveraging technology for environmental and social good. She previously served as Director of Innovation at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and as Treasurer of the Citizen Science Association. Anne holds a doctorate from the University of Maryland, where her research examined gamified technology and open biodiversity data.

• David Byrne

  David Byrne is a strategic executive and investor with over 15 years of experience building customer trust at companies like Google, TikTok, and Spotify. As Founder and CEO of TrustRise, he advises startups and enterprises on converting trust and platform integrity into strategic growth drivers. David has backed more than 15 startups, hosts the Digital Irish Podcast, and serves as President of Digital Irish DC, advocating for sustainable technology systems that protect users while scaling.

• Iago Macknik-Conde

  Iago Macknik-Conde is a Lucinda Beneventi Findley History Scholar multi-majoring in History, Political Science, and Economics at Macaulay Honors College. A two-time Bill of Rights Institute Fellow, his research accolades include First Prize in the National WWII Museum’s Essay Contest, the George Watt Memorial Essay Prize, and the Gilder Lehrman Institute's 2025 Legacies of Service Prize. He is also a recipient of the Congressional Award Gold Medal for public service.

• Kimberly Clarke

  Dr. Kimberly Clarke is a public policy professional, researcher, and speaker based in the Washington, D.C. area. She holds a PhD from Southern New Hampshire University, holds degrees from Johnson & Wales University, and earned an MBA from Bowie State University. Her research explores how tourism policy can harmonize economic growth with environmental sustainability. Her work bridges academic research with practical strategies that help communities thrive while creating lasting benefits for residents and visitors alike.

• Leslie M Schweitzer

  Leslie Schweitzer is an international trade pioneer and advocate for global educational access. She founded Friends of the American University of Afghanistan and co-founded Noble Trading Company in 1977, helping pave the way for early U.S.-China commercial trade. A former Senior Trade Advisor for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Leslie currently serves on several governing boards, including the American University of Afghanistan, ADA University, University of Kansas International Advisory Board, Four Star Security Company, US Army Command and General Staff College Foundation and the Afghan American Chamber of Commerce.

• Maggie O'Neill

  Maggie O’Neill is a Washington, D.C.-based artist, designer, and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience bridging design, activism, and cultural impact. She has created immersive environments for dozens of commercial and hospitality spaces, including the historic Willard Hotel, and her signature pop-impressionist artwork is collected worldwide. A 2024 Mayor’s Arts Award winner, Maggie serves as a Commissioner for the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities (DCCAH). Deeply committed to civic engagement, she is also the founder of the Vote For Your Daughter campaign and Our Daughters' Futures Fund, leveraging art to advocate for women and girls.

• Michael Morris

  Michael Morris is a Nigerian-born entrepreneur operating at the intersection of healthcare, energy, and live entertainment. Following the loss of his mother, he founded Kerico Healthcare, a non-emergency medical transportation provider serving patients across five states. Michael also directs renewable energy ventures, leads 125 Entertainment to produce cultural music festivals, and manages philanthropic initiatives supporting Haitian refugee communities in the Dominican Republic and transportation access programs for U.S. seniors.

• Stacey Womble

  Stacey Sherese Womble is a registered nurse, licensed general contractor, and founder of New Ground Development, a firm focused on community-centered housing in Baltimore. Merging healthcare with urban development, she also created Building Up Baltimore, a non-profit introducing local youth to careers in design, architecture, and construction. Stacey shares her practical insights through her media platform, Beauty and the Build, empowering residents to participate directly in community development.